19 Comments
User's avatar
Ramona Grigg's avatar

Wow!! I can see why you're proud of this, Brent. It's amazing! I'm no sixth grader but I would read this in a heartbeat. And I might even frame some of those illustrations. If this doesn't sell, I'll have no faith in the publishing industry ever again. (Not that I have much now.)

Good luck. I look forward to the day you tell us it's on its way to publication.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Haha thank you! Yes, I don't have a lot of faith right now, but hope springs eternal!

I love the idea of framing these. I might do that! 🙂😍

Expand full comment
Robin Reardon's avatar

Aha! I wondered what had happened to this story, which you gave me for input a few years ago. I'm delighted to see it's found new life in images. You go, guy!

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thank you! We'll see, it's all a grand experiment. LOL

Expand full comment
Michael Young's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Brent. And that’s so exciting to see where the project is at, and how far it’s come. Not to mention this mystery next book. Congrats all round!

Btw I love that last page especially - the full page artwork. It’s looking glorious 🤩

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thanks! Yes, it feels really good to be moving back into fiction. Now we'll see if I move any copies! 😂

(I'll.swnd you a copy when it's ready)

Expand full comment
Richard Donnelly's avatar

Brent can you tell your agent what to do? For instance, send my book to this or that publisher?

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

I can certainly make suggestions, bit she's the expert, and I trust her take completely. Why, do you have a suggestion?

Expand full comment
Richard Donnelly's avatar

Thanks Brent. Outside of the "Big Five" there's scores of very capable publishers, who move books just as readily. If I saw one I liked I'd tell the agent get my book into their hands pronto.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Oh absolutely! (With graphic novels, though, most smaller publishers pay very small advances, which would once again mean I have to finance all the art myself -- $10,000ish -- and that probably isn't happening. 😂)

Expand full comment
Linda joy singleton's avatar

This is fabulous! I have a graphic novel story, which I can tell you if you want to message me. And the book has sold. Linda Joy Singleton.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Huh, I don't think I have your current email

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Oh wonderful! Who did it sell to? When does it come out? (Not announced yet?)

Expand full comment
Linda joy singleton's avatar

Just it was announced, so I guess I can talk about it a bit. I sold a graphic novel to workman. It’s a twist on the classic pride and prejudice, but with cats. It’ll be out in 2027. My agent matched me with an illustrator Who is amazing.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Fantastic! Congrats! (And how fun...)

Expand full comment
Jim's avatar

Heart Stoppers started as a graphic novel....and is a huge hit on Netflix. I think this has real potential.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thank you! Yes, that's the little engine that could, isnt it? I think that's true for a LOT of "difficult " projects -- they need to "prove" themselves in a different medium. Go figure!

Expand full comment
Claire Polders's avatar

Your thinking outside the box looks amazing! I hope this graphic series will be snapped up soon!

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thank you! We'll see. These days, one never knows. 😂

Expand full comment